Job Openings

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

INTRODUCTION

The Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG) provides a collective voice for the forest products industry and serves as a platform for collaboration on current events and forestry issues relevant to the Allegheny Plateau region of Pennsylvania. Known for the quality and quantity of its hardwoods, the region contains some of the finest forest resources in the world. With a well-developed primary-processing industry and experienced workforce in place, the area has excellent opportunities for investment. Besides working to improve the existing forest products industry and expanding value-added manufacturing, AHUG strives to bring about a general awareness of available timber resources and needs of the industry as a whole. AHUG is regularly in touch with the state and federal legislators and government agencies on all levels.

The Executive Director will be a full-time professional responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, coordinating responsibilities with partners, existing agencies and institutions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Director will be responsible for the implementation of a Strategic Action Plan as approved by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will work with the Board to develop an Annual Work Plan.

Specific duties will include, but are not limited to:

1. Develop and cultivate partnerships with appropriate government officials and public, private and civic organizations in order to achieve the objectives of the Strategic Action Plan and Annual Work Plan.

3. Review, analyze and comment on Federal, State, and Local programs, develop strategies, partnerships or other mechanisms to ensure that activities are consistent with AHUGai??i??s mission and strategic plan.

4. Represent and speak on behalf of the AHUG at public meetings and forums, as well as schedule and attend meetings as the AHUG representative on regional and statewide boards of various forestry-related organizations.

5. Explore opportunities and write grants to obtain significant public and private funds, with the support from the Board, to sustain AHUG daily operations.
6. Schedule work plans, projects and assign responsibilities for support staff and other appropriate agencies. Supervise the support staff and evaluate their work performances.

7. Oversee the preparation of agendas, briefing materials, reports, minutes required by the AHUG Board for its efficient and effective operations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

1. This position requires both administrative as well as leadership skills that include the administering of day to day operations of the organization for tasks that are clearly defined, as well as possessing the ability to visualize a future perspective for the organization and develop a workable plan for achieving that vision, and to identify, organize and mobilize the resources necessary to achieve its fulfillment.

2. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with a variety of individuals and groups from the general public to industry representative to governmental officials. Ability to effectively work in public and private setting to develop shared goals, viewpoints and values; to resolve sensitive or controversial issues and coordinate and consult with private and public organizations.

3. An understanding of the Federal, State, and Local budget/legislative process, and of Federal, State, Local and private resource conservation, planning, development, and action programs and agencies, and the ability to coordinate and negotiate among them.

4. Familiarity with the principles, techniques and application o forestry, planning and conservation. Experience in the interpretation, education, and promotion of same is desirable.

5. Demonstrate ability to seek out and successfully write and administer grants.

6. Demonstrate ability to manage all aspects of multi-objective projects and programs, and a proven track record in implementing recommendations and actions.

7. Financial acumen, including the ability to formulate, administer and comprehend complex budgets/financials based on a variety of changing funding sources, along with the ability to administer day to day financial systems and processes.

8. Strong computer skills. Knowledge of web design and other social media also desirable.

EDUCATION REQUIRED

A Bachelorai??i??s degree in Business, Public Administration, Community and Economic Development Planning, or related fields is preferred or a least five (5) years of experience in a highly responsible management position.

COMPETENCY REQUIRMENTS

Communication Skills:

Be able to maintain an open public demeanor and have the ability to perform clear, concise and effective public speaking skills in individual and group settings ranging from rural gatherings to governmental assemblages as well as having the ability to complete rational balanced written correspondence with all manner of constituents while maintaining the best interest of AHUG at all times. Must be able to clearly communicate to the general public in individual and group meeting situations and respond to questions effectively.

Reasoning Capacity:

Ability to develop annual work plans and to interpret information, make inferences and draw conclusions. Ability to use creative thinking to solve practical problems and discover new solutions. Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals, coordinating efforts and compromising where necessary, to achieve desired results.

Physical Demands:

Must hold a valid PA driverai??i??s license, have reliable transportation, and be able to operate a motor vehicle in day and night time conditions. Must be able to hear clearly from near and far in situations such as group presentations, press conferences and on-site project areas.

Work Environment:

The primary office for AHUG is in Kane, PA. Must be willing to travel and have flexible work hours including some evenings and occasional weekends.